Lyme Science Blog

Babesia in Dogs: What Hunting Dogs Reveal About Human Tick-Borne Disease Risk Babesia in dogs may help predict human risk for tick-borne disease. Investigators studied tick-transmitted infections including Babesia in hunting dogs to determine potential risks to humans. Because dogs and humans share the same outdoor tick habitats, infection patterns in dogs may provide an […]

Lyme Carditis: A Serious Lyme Disease Complication Lyme carditis is a rare but serious complication of Lyme disease that can slow the heart rate and cause fainting or collapse. In a commentary, renowned vaccine researcher Stanley Plotkin described how Lyme disease suddenly affected his own family. “One day, when traveling in California for a meeting,

POTS and Lyme Disease: Does Standing Worsen Brain Fog? Patients with autoimmune disorders are at risk for POTS, along with individuals who have had a viral illness or serious infection such as Lyme disease. In fact, patients with POTS and Lyme disease often present with similar symptoms. Key Point: Research suggests that patients with POTS

Is One Dose of Doxycycline Enough After a Tick Bite? Quick Answer: A single dose of doxycycline may reduce the risk of a Lyme rash—but there is no clear evidence it prevents Lyme disease itself. Clinical Insight: The study supporting single-dose doxycycline measured prevention of an erythema migrans rash—not prevention of Lyme disease or its

Weak Immune System and Lyme Disease: What to Know Does a weak immune system make Lyme disease worse? Patients with impaired immunity may be more likely to develop widespread or persistent symptoms, especially if the infection is not recognized early. In some cases, symptoms may also fluctuate over time. Learn more about why Lyme symptoms

New Lyme Disease Treatments: Dapsone, Disulfiram and Azlocillin New treatments for Lyme disease are being investigated as researchers attempt to understand why some patients continue to experience symptoms after standard antibiotic therapy. Some investigators believe persistent infection, drug-tolerant bacteria, or immune system dysfunction may contribute to ongoing symptoms in a subset of patients. These concerns

Central Sensitization and Lyme Disease: Why Symptoms Persist Why do symptoms persist after Lyme disease? The nervous system may be amplifying signals. This is known as central sensitization. Central sensitization Lyme disease may help explain persistent pain, fatigue, and sensory symptoms in some patients. Central sensitization syndrome (CSS) involves changes in the central nervous system—particularly

Can Lyme Disease Cause Atrial Fibrillation? IRREGULAR HEARTBEAT WITH NO CLEAR CAUSE? LYME DISEASE MAY AFFECT HEART RHYTHM “My heart suddenly started racing—and no one knew why.” Lyme disease is best known for joint pain and fatigue, but it can also affect the heart. Quick Answer: Lyme disease may increase the risk of atrial fibrillation

Could Azlocillin Become a Treatment for Late-Stage Lyme Disease? Researchers are investigating whether azlocillin could become a future treatment for late-stage Lyme disease. Scientists identified azlocillin after screening nearly 8,000 drug compounds. In laboratory studies and mouse models, azlocillin was effective against drug-tolerant Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. What Is Azlocillin? Azlocillin

Babesia microti in Texas: Raccoons Suggest the Parasite Is Spreading Babesia microti, the parasite responsible for most human babesiosis cases in the United States, may be expanding beyond its traditional northeastern range. A new study detected Babesia microti in raccoons in East Texas, raising questions about emerging human risk in the South. Is Babesia microti